The first cycle of playtesting is drawing to a close and I’ve recieved some great feedback so far. The various notes have been compiled, reviewed and come changes have been made to the next version of the playtest document.
So, what’s changed?
Generally everything has been well recieved: players have apparently really enjoyed the Resolve system, which was the biggest thing I wanted to playtest. Comments have lead me to focus instead on the combat system which was brought over almost whole-cloth from my other RPG Age of Steel. Which is probably where the issues came from. Age of Steel is a pulpy game intended to simulate the action adventure feel of movies such as Indiana Jones or the Uncharted computer games. Because of this it’s actually quite hard to die in Age of Steel; something which I hadn’t intended for When the Moon Hangs Low! As such death is now more of a threat; something I look forward to playtesting in future games.
Also in the combat rules the counterattack mechanic has been made less effective, as it was apparently allowing characters to march through enemies without taking any damage!
Additional changes were made to the prices of weapons and armour, in the hopes of balancing starting gear and giving players something to save up for after successful contracts. Sheilds have had their rules changes, as they were a lot more effective than intended, and not really a piece of equipment I wanted all too many players to opt for. Lastly in the equipment chapter, several of the potions have had their rules slightly changed for balance reasons.
The last few changes are to the Edges, the supernatural abilities weilded by the player characters. Two Edges -Flurry and Gunslinger- have been merged into one as their function was similar enough to be superfluous, and the wording of the new Edge (still called Flurry, don’t @ me) has been tightened up. A new Edge has been added: Eldritch Bolt, which allows characters a ranged attack option previously missing.
The new playtest document will be sent out to players who have already signed up. If you’re reading this and you are interested in helping playtest When the Moon Hangs Low, contact me by email at info(a)isolation-games.co.uk.